Does my child have ADHD? Things to know about the condition

But exactly what is ADHD?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, a government organization, the initials ADHD stand for “attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, a brain disorder marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.” Inattention is characterized by wandering off task.
A person displaying inattention also "lacks persistence, has difficulty sustaining focus, and is disorganized," NIMH noted, "and these problems are not due to defiance or lack of comprehension."
Impulsivity involves a person making hasty actions in the moment without first thinking about them, especially if the actions are potentially harmful.
Another characteristic of impulsivity is a desire for immediate rewards or an inability to delay gratification, NIMH said.
Who's at risk?
But the age range for diagnosis can include kids as young as 4 and up to age 18.
It noted that for behaviors from the list to "be truly considered signs of ADHD, they must last for six months, be more severe than in other children the same age – i.e., they're causing significant problems at school, home and/or in social settings -- and some symptoms should have been present before your child turned 7."
Often loses things needed for tasks and activities Is often easily distracted Is often forgetful in daily activities To be diagnosed with ADHD/hyperactive-impulsive type, a child would have displayed at least six of these nine symptoms for at least six months:: Often fidgets with hands and feet or squirms in seat Often gets up from seat Often excessively runs about or climbs when not appropriate Often has trouble playing or doing leisure activities quietly Is on the go as if driven by a motor Often talks excessively Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished Often has trouble waiting his turn Often interrupts or intrudes on others Easing the ADHD situation Regardless of the way a child or adult developed ADHD, anyone with the diagnosis will require guidance and understanding from parents, families and teachers to reach their full potential and to succeed, according to the NIMH.
Mental health professionals can educate parents about ADHD and how it affects a family.

You may have heard of ADHD as a joke about a jittery co-worker who’s “hyper” or a forgetful friend “having ADD.” You may have even heard talks about the debate over the number of kids who take Ritalin or other meds for ADHD. But exactly what is ADHD?

A strict medical definition can help parents understand what their child is facing, and also differentiate between actual ADHD and a child (or adult) who is high-energy, impatient or has ADD without the “H,” which is the hyperactive component.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, a government organization, the initials ADHD stand for “attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, a brain disorder marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.”

Inattention is characterized by wandering off task. A person displaying inattention also “lacks persistence, has difficulty sustaining focus, and is disorganized,” NIMH noted, “and these problems are not due to defiance or lack of comprehension.”

Hyperactivity is identified as a person who seems to move about constantly, or excessively fidgets, taps, or talks, according to NIMH. “In adults, it may be extreme restlessness or wearing others out with constant activity.”

Impulsivity involves a person making hasty actions in the moment without first thinking about them, especially if the actions are potentially harmful. Another characteristic of impulsivity is a desire for immediate rewards or an inability to delay gratification, NIMH said.

Who’s at risk?

Even the NIMH, which is the leading federal agency for mental health research, admitted that scientists don’t fully understand what causes ADHD. They have identified numerous factors that contribute to a child’s odds of having ADHD, including the following:

Genes, meaning some aspects of ADHD may be attributed to inherited traits

A mother who smoked cigarettes, or used alcohol or certain drugs during pregnancy

A fetus’ exposure to environmental toxins during pregnancy

Exposure to environmental toxins, such as high levels of lead, at a young age

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